How to Replace the Windshield Washer Reservoir in a Nissan Sentra

Although the Nissan Sentra was a subcompact car in its earliest models, it's now a compact car. Learning simple auto repairs can help you maintain your Sentra and keep it looking new. Some of these tasks include checking and refilling your windshield reservoir, checking for leaks and fixing or replacing the reservoir, if ever required.

Instructions

1

Learn the part number of your windshield washer reservoir, which depends on the year of your Nissan Sentra. For example, the part number you need for a 1991-1999 Nissan Sentra is N370501. See the Resources section below for a place to buy this reservoir.

2

Work on your Nissan Sentra in your driveway, if it's relatively flat. Back in, so you have easy access to the hood. Put your car in park, turn it off, remove the keys, put on the emergency brake and locate the hood release, which is on the left side of the steering wheel under the instrument panel.

3

Release the auxiliary latch located under the hood, in the center, to open your hood fully. Raise it and use the support rod to hold the hood securely while you work.

4

Look in the engine compartment and locate the windshield washer reservoir. The reservoir in the Nissan Sentra is located in the bottom left corner near the coolant reservoir. It's a tall tube and has a white cap.

5

Find the negative cable connected to the battery and disconnect it. Check if your Nissan Sentra has air bags. If it does, wait at least a minute and a half before doing any work.

6

Take off the wheel arch plastic liner on the passenger side of you Sentra. Using a screwdriver, dispose of the screws and plastic clips that are holding it in place. Remove the filter neck and three mounting bolts.

7

Locate all the leads to your reservoir and dismantle them. This includes the washer hose, attaching screws and mounting bolts. After that, simply lift out the windshield washer reservoir. Remove the pump--if attached--with a pair of pliers.

8

Install the new windshield washer reservoir, by first attaching the pump, if applicable. Then, put the reservoir back into your Nissan Sentra and replace the mounting bolts. Attach the washer hose and screws and replace the seals.

9

Put the wheel arch plastic liner back on by reversing the order in Step 6. Finally, reconnect the negative cable to your battery. Make sure you put everything back exactly as you found it to ensure everything works properly and fill the new reservoir with windshield washer fluid.